914 replies to this topic

[WreckWench]

I know EV wants us to bring our original application and waiver with us. We don't need SD's original too, do we?

Yes please! If you did not mail it please bring it.

[WreckWench]

Cash Needs Update:


Ok many questinns about how much cash do I need have been bouncing around. Much good advice has been given about credit cards etc. I personally like to avoid international fees of approx 2-3% so travel with enough cash. Usually we do not need to convert lots of it but Australia will be different. I asked the Australian office for assistance in what we'd need and here is what they came up with as a guide:

1. $150 AUD for your nitrox needs to be paid in AUD cash or via credit card. (If paid in US or other currency they will charge you 5%
2. Cash AUD for tips unless you want to charge on your credit card. Tips are approx 10-20% of the base diving price either $1795 or $2545
3. Cash AUD for personal items of course
4. Cash AUD per this rough guideline from our EV rep in Australia:

a. You will probably need some cash for your bus and/or taxi to and from the airport in Cairns ONLY IF YOU DO NOT HAVE TRANSFERS SET UP WHICH MOST OF YOU DO.
b. Nothing required onboard as any purchase can be placed on credit card.
c. You will have a number of hours at your leisure in Cooktown, so A$30max here [if you decide you need to buy something].
d. Meals in Cairns can range from A$6 – 10 for lunch and $20 upwards for dinner [dependant of course on where you choose to eat] plus A$3.50 for a beer, A$4.50 for spirits and mixer etc, but of course these can be charged to your credit card.

I hope this helps!

[WreckWench]

Weight Limitations Clarification & Other Requests:

Ok gang for the most part I think this is the last of the questions.

Weight Limitations:

The 44 lb limit per person does include hand carry luggage. It is OK if you are a little over say 1-2 pounds, but you must try and adhere to the weight limitations or else someone will not get a bag on the trip. If this helps at all, we do provide all linen and towels, dress onboard is casual and any excess luggage can be stored at our office for the duration of the trip

Dive Lights/Torches and Rental Gear:

We do have enough dive torches/lights for all passengers. If you needed rental gear you MUST REQUEST IT ON YOUR EV APPLICATION except for the dive lights.

Fins Rental:

Also, can you please advise group members our fins are the full-foot variety and that those requesting booties cannot be accommodated. We do, however, have lycra dive socks available for sale onboard, @ A$12 pair [ if required].

Tank Information:

Our tank fittings are the USA Yoke style [not DIN] and we have 2 x adaptors available with a A$50 refundable deposit required.

Electricity:

Electricity onboard is 240V and electrical sockets are the Aussie 3 prong variety. We have a few adaptors onboard but if most of your group plan to plug in laptops/re-charge batteries etc it would be best if they brought their own adaptors and powerstrips if needing to charge many items.

[Basslet]

Electricity onboard is 240V and electrical sockets are the Aussie 3 prong variety. We have a few adaptors onboard but if most of your group plan to plug in laptops/re-charge batteries etc it would be best if they brought their own adaptors and powerstrips if needing to charge many items.

I'm wondering now where Shawn got her information that the outlets onboard were the round European style?

Also, if you have a Capital One card, they don't charge you the international fee. I used mine in Thailand and wasn't charged.

[Basslet]

I got some info. from explorer ventures to share :

"You will need an adapter & transformer from 220 to 110 to use US chargers and hair dryers. The plugs in the rooms have the two round small prongs, side by side "

So, an ext. cord sounds like a good idea. There are no dryers in the rooms apparently, and water temps. in the low 80's.

REI carries adapters/transformers...

Shawn, where did you get this info from? WW's says they are the Aussie variety. Unless the outlet in rooms are different from the outlets at the camera table. No matter. I got both.

[WreckWench]

They have a lot of boats...which means a number of configurations. The info I got came directly from the Aussie Office.

Thanks for the tip on Capital One. I will check with them.

[WreckWench]

ETA Visas:

If you have recently signed up for this trip PLEASE make sure you have your ETA Visa. You can do them online and you will not be able to enter the country with out them.

If you did them yourself you have a reference number.

If you did them via our consolidator then you should have a copy of them forwarded to you.

[WreckWench]

Misc Stuff:

Tipping other than the boat crew:

Tipping is not as usual of a custom as it is in the US and tips are not added to bills even with large groups either by restaurants or hotels.

Porters and taxi drivers do not expect a tip however they will round off a cab fare to their advantage.

In better restaurants waiters can be tipped 10% but as always tipping is discretionary and would not be frowned upon for good service anywhere.


Laundry/Ironing Services:

Many of the hotels will offer free or coin-operated laundry facilities. Irons can be delivered to your room if you need one.

Voltage: Australia is on 240V voltage and the US is 120V. If you bring any electronics bring an adaptor. If your item is not adaptable (it will say on the item by listing 240/120) then you also need a transformer. Most hotels supply hair dryers and offer 120V or 240V shaver plug ins. On the boat we don't typically need hair dryers.

Driving:

Australians drive on the left side of the road. A valid overseas drivers license is required. Speeds and distances are in kilometers. The max speed in most cities is 60km/hr or 37 mph and on country roads and highways the speed is 110km or 68mph unless otherwise stated. There are STRICT drunk driving laws and seatbelts are to be worn at all times by driver and passengers.

Liquor Laws:

Regulations vary from state to state however general licensing hours for public bars are Mon - Sat 10am to 10pm. Sunday hours vary. Restaurants, clubs and hotel lounges have more flexible hours. You must be 18 or older to drink and you can purchase liquor/beer/wine at a 'bottle-shop" or liquor store.

BYO/Restaurants: There are a wide variety of dining options in Australia including ethinic and regional foods. Some restaurants offer liquor for sale on premises and some allow for BYOB or "Bring Your Own Booze". Some restaurants will charge a fee for opening bottles and providing glasses particularily for wine.

Telephones:

The min cost of a local phone call is A$04. Int'l calls can be made via payphones, creditphones and prepaid calling cards starting as low as A54 per minute for calls to US and Canada.

Vaccinations:

There are no vaccinations required to visit Australia unless you come from or have been in a yellow-fever infected coutnry or zone within 6 days prior to arrival. For more info contact the US Center for Disease Control: 800-311-3435.

What to pack in addition to what you need for the boat:

1. Australia is a very casual country so casual clothes are the norm. If you are planning a night out...men are expected to wear a collared shirt in nicer restaurants and casinos.
2. The sun is very intense so plenty of sunscreen and a hat are essential.
3. Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef experience very little temperature variation throughout the year, generally 70's to 90's.
4. Lightweight natural fiber is recommended year round with slightly warmer clothes for winter months. (We'll be traveling during the summer months!)

[Basslet]

ETA Visas:

If you have recently signed up for this trip PLEASE make sure you have your ETA Visa. You can do them online and you will not be able to enter the country with out them.

Do you confirm that they are activated online? How does one do that? I have my confirmation number from you.

BTW, I just called Capital One again to confirm that they do not charge an international transaction or conversion fee and they did confirm that. I had heard their policy had changed but that was a rumor.

[WreckWench]

ETA Visas:

If you have recently signed up for this trip PLEASE make sure you have your ETA Visa. You can do them online and you will not be able to enter the country with out them.

Do you confirm that they are activated online? How does one do that? I have my confirmation number from you.

BTW, I just called Capital One again to confirm that they do not charge an international transaction or conversion fee and they did confirm that. I had heard their policy had changed but that was a rumor.

That is the point...if you have a confirmation number you are good to go. I am just making sure that the new people who have signed up for the trip have gotten their visa's as SD can no longer do them for them.

[Basslet]

ETA Visas:

If you have recently signed up for this trip PLEASE make sure you have your ETA Visa. You can do them online and you will not be able to enter the country with out them.

Do you confirm that they are activated online? How does one do that? I have my confirmation number from you.

BTW, I just called Capital One again to confirm that they do not charge an international transaction or conversion fee and they did confirm that. I had heard their policy had changed but that was a rumor.

That is the point...if you have a confirmation number you are good to go. I am just making sure that the new people who have signed up for the trip have gotten their visa's as SD can no longer do them for them.

Gotcha. I kind of skimmed over the RECENTLY part.

[Wildcard]

I have a question....
Driving:

Australians drive on the left side of the road. A valid overseas drivers license is required. Speeds and distances are in kilometers. The max speed in most cities is 60km/hr or 37 mph and on country roads and highways the speed is 110km or 68mph unless otherwise stated. There are STRICT drunk driving laws and seatbelts are to be worn at all times by driver and passengers.

What is involved with getting an "overseas" license? Will they not take my Alaska DL?

[dolphin lover]

Cash Needs Update:


Ok many questinns about how much cash do I need have been bouncing around. Much good advice has been given about credit cards etc. I personally like to avoid international fees of approx 2-3% so travel with enough cash. Usually we do not need to convert lots of it but Australia will be different. I asked the Australian office for assistance in what we'd need and here is what they came up with as a guide:

1. $150 AUD for your nitrox needs to be paid in AUD cash or via credit card. (If paid in US or other currency they will charge you 5%
2. Cash AUD for tips unless you want to charge on your credit card. Tips are approx 10-20% of the base diving price either $1795 or $2545
3. Cash AUD for personal items of course
4. Cash AUD per this rough guideline from our EV rep in Australia:

a. You will probably need some cash for your bus and/or taxi to and from the airport in Cairns ONLY IF YOU DO NOT HAVE TRANSFERS SET UP WHICH MOST OF YOU DO.
b. Nothing required onboard as any purchase can be placed on credit card.
c. You will have a number of hours at your leisure in Cooktown, so A$30max here [if you decide you need to buy something].
d. Meals in Cairns can range from A$6 – 10 for lunch and $20 upwards for dinner [dependant of course on where you choose to eat] plus A$3.50 for a beer, A$4.50 for spirits and mixer etc, but of course these can be charged to your credit card.

I hope this helps!

I am arriving on the 2nd like alot of the people, but am arriving on a separate flight. Exactly how do the transfers work? Is there something I need to do in preparation or is there someone I call, etc. Any advice would be much appreciated. I can't believe the time is actually here

[WreckWench]

I am arriving on the 2nd like alot of the people, but am arriving on a separate flight. Exactly how do the transfers work? Is there something I need to do in preparation or is there someone I call, etc. Any advice would be much appreciated. I can't believe the time is actually here

Group Transfer Details:

Your arrival is very close to the group therefore you are part of the main group transfers. Here are the instructions:

Upon arrival after clearing Customs & Immigration you will be met and transferred to your accommodation for the next 2 nights. See the pick up times below for time and place of pickup.

Private Airport/Hotel Transfer - International Arrivals area pickup
SunPalm Transport
Tel: (07) 4084 2626
Confirmation #: 263053
Ref #: AA3320
Voucher#: AA3620/01
NOTE: The driver will have a SunPalm sign. If you cannot locate your driver, please visit the SunPalm Desk located within the airport terminal.

1st PickUp: QF782 @ 12:05pm - Baggage Claim Area
2nd PickUp: QF69 @ 11:40am - International Arrivals Area

[shawnabbott]

Weight Limitations Clarification & Other Requests:

Ok gang for the most part I think this is the last of the questions.

Weight Limitations:

The 44 lb limit per person does include hand carry luggage. It is OK if you are a little over say 1-2 pounds, but you must try and adhere to the weight limitations or else someone will not get a bag on the trip. If this helps at all, we do provide all linen and towels, dress onboard is casual and any excess luggage can be stored at our office for the duration of the trip

Dive Lights/Torches and Rental Gear:

We do have enough dive torches/lights for all passengers. If you needed rental gear you MUST REQUEST IT ON YOUR EV APPLICATION except for the dive lights.

Fins Rental:

these have already been sent in, some time ago. are they saying we need to amend and resend? surely they KNOW we would need them for night dives.

Also, can you please advise group members our fins are the full-foot variety and that those requesting booties cannot be accommodated. We do, however, have lycra dive socks available for sale onboard, @ A$12 pair [ if required].

Tank Information:

Our tank fittings are the USA Yoke style [not DIN] and we have 2 x adaptors available with a A$50 refundable deposit required.

Electricity:

Electricity onboard is 240V and electrical sockets are the Aussie 3 prong variety. We have a few adaptors onboard but if most of your group plan to plug in laptops/re-charge batteries etc it would be best if they brought their own adaptors and powerstrips if needing to charge many items.